Full Replacement
Full Replacement | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Tullahoma
When the morning rush meets an icy shower, you need a crew that can swap out that worn-out tank water heater fast. HEP’s licensed plumbers arrive at your Tullahoma home with the right-sized unit, genuine parts, and a respect for your floors and schedule—often completing a full replacement in a single visit. From safely disconnecting gas and water lines to hauling away the old tank, every step is handled with clean, code-compliant precision.
We pair top brands with transparent pricing, extended warranties, and courteous follow-ups, so you’re never left guessing about performance or cost. Whether your priority is capacity, energy efficiency, or upgrading before a failure strikes, HEP delivers hot water—and peace of mind—right on time. Ready to enjoy reliable, steamy showers again? Give us a call and see why Tullahoma homeowners trust HEP for flawless plumbing replacements.
FAQs
When should I consider a full replacement of my tank water heater instead of a repair?
Replacement is usually recommended when the tank is 10–12 years old, shows signs of rust or corrosion, leaks from the tank body (not just fittings), produces rusty or sandy water, or no longer heats efficiently despite multiple repairs. In Tullahoma’s hard-water environment, mineral buildup shortens service life, so if repair costs exceed 50% of the price of a new unit—or if your unit is nearing the end of its expected lifespan—full replacement is the most cost-effective and reliable choice.
What size and fuel type of tank water heater is best for my Tullahoma home?
The ideal size depends on household demand, measured by "first-hour rating" (FHR). A family of 2–3 usually needs a 40-gallon gas or 50-gallon electric model; 4–5 people often require a 50-gallon gas or 66- to 80-gallon electric unit. Natural-gas models reheat faster and cost less to run, while electric units are easier to vent and install indoors. Propane options are available for rural areas without natural gas. Our technicians perform a usage audit—reviewing fixture count, peak-hour demand, and energy rates—to recommend the most efficient, right-sized model for your home.
How long will a complete tank water heater replacement take, and will I be without water during the process?
Most replacements are completed in 2–4 hours. We drain and remove the old tank, set the new unit, update supply lines, install expansion tank and code-required safety valves, reconnect gas/electric, fill, purge air, and test for leaks. Your water service is typically off for 60–90 minutes of that time; once refilled, hot water returns within 30–45 minutes for gas heaters and 1–2 hours for electric heaters.
Are permits or inspections required in Tullahoma for replacing a water heater, and do you handle them?
Yes. The City of Tullahoma and Coffee County require a plumbing/mechanical permit for any water heater replacement involving gas or electrical connections. A city inspector must verify proper venting, seismic strapping, T&P relief valve piping, and expansion control. Our team secures the permit, schedules the inspection, and provides the inspector with all manufacturer specifications, ensuring your installation meets local code and maintains warranty coverage.
How energy-efficient are today’s tank water heaters compared to my old unit, and will I save on utility bills?
Modern gas and electric storage heaters carry higher energy factor (EF) ratings—0.62–0.70 for standard gas, 0.92+ for high-efficiency condensing models, and 0.93–0.95 for electric units with heat-trap fittings and improved insulation. If your current heater is 10+ years old, upgrading can cut water-heating costs by 10–20% (standard) or up to 35% with ENERGY STAR® high-efficiency models. We also offer hybrid heat-pump water heaters that lower electric water-heating costs by as much as 60% for households with ample space and moderate ambient temperatures.
What warranties and ongoing maintenance support do you provide after installation?
Our standard installation includes the manufacturer’s 6-year tank and parts warranty plus a 1-year labor warranty. Extended 10- or 12-year tank warranties are available. We register your unit with the manufacturer, file the warranty paperwork, and provide a digital copy for your records. To maximize service life, we offer annual maintenance plans that include flushing sediment, testing the anode rod, inspecting the T&P valve, and checking gas/electrical connections. Plan members receive priority service and a 15% discount on any future repairs.